Introduction / History

The Tsemay are a people group that live in the plain of the Weyt'o River. They may have been part of the Konso people and because of the raids from the Borana, had crossed the Sagan River to settle among the Banna and Dime and intermingled with them. They are neighbored by the Hamar and Banna, with whom they have built a strong alliance, on the west and southwest, by the Arbore on the south, by the Gawada and Kerkert on the east and by the Maale on the north.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are cultivators as well as keep livestock. They grow sorghum and maize. They use the hoe to cultivate the land. Their administrative and trade center is the Weyto town.

A boy becomes a man when he completes a bull jumping challenge which involves standing after jumping over a series of bulls. Only after that can he seek a wife. There can be pre-marital sex, but they cannot have a child from such a union. A girl can be given in marriage without her consent. She is handed over by her parents to the parents of the groom. His parents are responsible to provide for the wedding dinner. The bride price usually involves giving cattle to her parents along with coffee, bullets and other valuables. Tsemay women usually wear leather and they are known for having facial tattoos.

The Tsemay people have a low literacy rate, so they need oral gospel materials. They have frequent contact with tourists who can take them gospel recordings and the JESUS Film.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tsemay are predominantly followers of their ethnic religion which believes that the male and female star created the world.

What Are Their Needs?

Tsemay villages usually have no electricity. Medical care is poor, and access to medicine is limited. Their water supply comes from rivers and springs. Sometimes this water carries germs and disease-causing bacteria.

Prayer Items

Pray that the Lord will open the hearts of the Tsemay to hear the gospel and be followers of Christ.
Ask God to raise laborers, especially from among the Konso, who are related to the Tsemay and have a good relationship with them, who will work to reach and intercede for the Tsemay.

Scripture Prayers for the Tsemay in Ethiopia.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsamai_people
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/tsemai.html